According to one news report, “the sect is wrapped in a complex and murky amalgam of traditional African and modern populist beliefs—many of them harkening back to some of the less savoury practices from pre-Christian Kikuyu customs: magic, witchcraft and sorcery mixed with ancestor worship.” According to another report, "The sect leader is known to claim that he had died and resurrected after four days."

According to one journalist, “We do not have a clear idea of the beliefs and practice of the Mungiki sect because most of it goes on in secret. We do know from interviews with current and former leaders that they reject modern Western culture, including Christianity....Mungiki are known to have given up alcohol, smoking, watching Hollywood movies and wearing American baseball caps. Instead, they [are said to] pray ‘facing mount Kenya.’ They have been known to publicly call for the circumcision of Kikuyu women, and have forced many to undergo this rite. Many sport dreadlocks and swear oaths of loyalty to Mungiki in secret. In some cases, they engage in ritualized murder....”